Dubrovnik to Korčula Day Trip: How to Spend One Perfect Day in Korčula

Dubrovnik to Korčula: How to Get There

Korčula is the most beautiful island in Croatia, known for its historic walled Old Town, lush wine region, and enticing beaches.

There’s no better way to visit Korčula than a day trip from Dubrovnik! This detailed Korčula travel guide will discuss how to get to Korčula from Dubrovnik (in a single day!) and reveal an incredible one-day Korčula itinerary on this Croatian island paradise!

Read on to discover how you can make the most of a day trip from Dubrovnik to Korčula by traversing the Old Town, exploring the local beaches, and indulging in famous Grk wine!

By Ferry

Traveling to Korčula by ferry is the most efficient way to get to the Southern Dalmatian island. There are several high-speed ferries that travel from Dubrovnik to Korčula. The main ferry operators are Krilo (Kapetan Luka), TP Line and Jadrolinja. 

When I traveled to Dubrovnik in early October (shoulder season), I booked my transport from Dubrovnik to Korčula with TP Line, a comfortable high-speed ferry that services routes all along the Dalmatian coast (and even north to Split). Ferry tickets can be purchased in advance or at the Dubrovnik Port where the ferries depart. 

If you’re traveling to Croatia in summer, during the country’s peak season, you’ll want to consider booking ferry tickets in advance – island hopping is one of the most popular ways to travel around Croatia. For travelers visiting during shoulder- and off-season, you can purchase ferry tickets closer to your expected day trip. 

The number of ferries available typically depends on the season you travel, with peak season (May – early September) operating the most ferries from Dubrovnik to Korčula.

Fewer ferries will be available during shoulder- and off-season, so you’ll want to meticulously plan your day trip according to the ferry schedule!

By Car and Ferry

Can you drive to Korčula? 

Yes, Korčula is accessible by car. However, because it is an island, you’ll have to use a car ferry to cross from the Pelješac Peninsula to the island of Korčula.

If you plan to rent a car, you’ll start your journey from Dubrovnik by driving two hours north along the beautiful coastal highway towards the Pelješac Peninsula – the region’s awe-inspiring, bountiful wine region. 

Once you arrive in the beautiful coastal town of Orebić, you can board the 30-minute car ferry to Korčula.

Driving along the coast and boarding the car ferry to Korčula is a feasible travel option for adventurers who want access to a car, however, I don’t recommend this option because it can be a logistical nightmare depending on the season. 

Many areas in Korčula are walkable, especially Old Town, which is just steps away from the harbor. If you want to explore beyond Korčula Old Town, venturing through the captivating beauty of the wine region, bike rentals (whether electric or old-fashioned pedalers) are available to rent!

By Private Transfer

The third option for traveling from Dubrovnik to Korčula is to hire a taxi or a private driver to get to Orebić, then catch the ferry from Orebić to Korčula without the car. 

This method of traveling to Korčula from Dubrovnik blends guided transport (from Dubrovnik to Orebić) with self-guided transfer by ferry – no rental car necessary. The only hassle with booking a private transfer from Dubrovnik to Orebić is that you’ll have to arrange a return transfer as well. 

If you’re planning on taking a ferry to Korčula, you should probably just catch the ferry from Dubrovnik to Korčula at Port Gruž (a short bus ride from Dubrovnik Old Town), rather than driving part of the way. Unless of course, you’re starting in Orebić, then you should catch the ferry from Orebić to Korčula.

My Recommendation

Best Way to Travel from Dubrovnik to Korčula for a Day Trip

A Korčula day trip from Dubrovnik is the best way to explore one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. The best way to make this day trip possible is to travel to Korčula by ferry from Port Gruž – the city’s local port for island hopping around Croatia.

The best (and most affordable) way to get to Port Gruž from Dubrovnik Old Town is to hop on a local bus (Libertas). Many of the local bus lines pass through Port Gruž and the Libertas bus app can help you plan an affordable, convenient transfer.

The local buses were the MAIN reason I was able to plan so many epic day trips from Dubrovnik, including my unforgettable one day in Korčula! 

If you purchased the Dubrovnik Pass, this includes a free bus pass for buses operating within the city limits (including from Old Town to Port Gruž). Make sure to stop by a Libertas kiosk to get your printed bus pass, included with the Dubrovnik Pass, before boarding a local bus!

I traveled to Korčula from Dubrovnik in a single day, departing Dubrovnik on the TP Line ferry around 8am, and arriving at Korčula around 10am. I spent the day exploring Korčula Old Town and the abundant wine region the island is famous for. All without a car!

I was then able to catch the evening ferry, which left around 6pm and arrived back in Dubrovnik by 8pm. I made it back in time for my dinner reservation at one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik, Stara Loza (but that’s another blog post!). 

Wondering whether or not a day trip to Korčula from Dubrovnik is worth it? I’m here to tell you that it is not only ACHIEVABLE, but it is also one of the BEST day trips from Dubrovnik! Korčula is my favorite island in Croatia and I believe that this island should be at the top of your Croatia bucket list!

Korčula Itinerary: The Perfect Day Trip

How to Spend One Day Exploring the Charming Island of Korčula

I spent one day exploring Korčula, falling in love with the cerulean waves beneath stone cliffs and tracing the tangled grape vines basking in the Mediterranean sun. Here’s how I recommend you spend your day in Korčula if you plan on visiting from Dubrovnik:

Morning

Explore Korčula Old Town

After enjoying a peaceful ride on the high-speed ferry to Korčula, you’ll want to grab a few pastries before exploring Korčula Old Town. There are a few local bakeries, including Mlinar, a local Croatian bakery chain, just steps away from the port that makes for a great place to grab a delectable pastry.

Korčula Old Town, also known as “little Dubrovnik” for its close resemblance to its historic walled neighbor, is a scenic walled city with rich history and beautiful architecture. While the medieval city saw its origins begin prior to the sixth century, it was only after the Venetians came to power in the 13th century when Korčula Old Town began to look like the fortified walled-city that it is today. 

A guided walking tour of the historic Old Town is a great way to understand the history of Korčula and explore the scenic stone streets and narrow alleyways that make this small village a life-sized postcard. 

When you first pass through the stone gate leading to the walled Old Town, you’ll pass by a beautiful galley decorated with watercolor scenes of Croatian life. This art galley is a great place to buy local art, the perfect souvenir from your trip to Croatia. 

Old Town itself isn’t very big. However there’s lots of history woven into the winding walkways within its walls. 

Korčula has strong connections to the explorer Marco Polo. While some historical records often point to Venice as his birthplace, a strong local tradition holds that he was actually born on Korčula, a claim that continues to spark debate among historians.

There is a small museum dedicated to the noteworthy explorer that is definitely worth visiting after you explore the streets of Old Town. The Marco Polo Museum also offers incredible views from the rooftop.

Before enjoying a fresh catch for lunch, head to Saint Mark’s Cathedral and climb the narrow staircase up the bell tower. This is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of Old Town and the Peninsula across the sea. 

Lunch

Enjoy Local Seafood by the Cerulean Sea

There’s no better way to enjoy lunch than to indulge in the local seafood while you gaze out at the cerulean waves of the Adriatic Sea. 

My big appetite led me to a collection of restaurants on the eastern side of the walled city with seaside outdoor seating and a variety of fresh seafood dishes. 

It was the fresh mussels drenched in decadent, garlic tomato sauce that led me to Aurora restaurant, and the adorable chef who fell asleep at our table that made me stay (picture below!). 

Afternoon

Rent Bikes and Explore the Local Beaches and the Beautiful Korčula Wine Region

There’s no time to waste after enjoying a relaxing seaside lunch in Korčula Old Town. Your next stop should be a local bike rental company outside of Old Town called Titan Rentals. 

When I stumbled into Titan Rentals with no plan and several hours of time before the ferry back to Dubrovnik, I needed two things: a bike rental and some recommendations for where to visit on the island with said bike rental.

The team at Titan Rentals pulled out a map of Korčula, outlined a suggested itinerary (which I will share shortly) for how to spend the afternoon, and got my bike and helmet ready for the ride…no advance rental necessary (in shoulder season, I must note). 

With my bike rental and my excitement for exploration, I pedaled toward the eastern part of the island, in the direction of one of the few sandy beaches in Korčula.

With your bike rental, I recommend visiting Vela Przina Beach, one of the few sandy beaches in Croatia. This was one of my favorite beaches in Croatia. It is a great beach to soak up the sun and no water shoes are necessary (because of the sand).

After an hour or so soaking up the Mediterranean sun, hop back on your bike and pedal towards the local wine region. Korčula’s wine region is famous for Grk wine, a dry white wine grown exclusively in the Lumbarda region of Korčula. 

It’s no wonder the Venetians sought to control Korčula – this island alone had enough valuable vines to keep the republic’s cellars stocked for generations!

I really enjoyed sipping wine on the patio of Vitis Winery before pedaling back to Korčula Old Town to catch the ferry back to Dubrovnik. 

What to Pack for Korčula Day Trip from Dubrovnik

If you’re planning a day trip from Dubrovnik to Korčula, here’s what I recommend you pack for the day:

Where to Stay in Korčula (If You Decide to Stay a Few Days)

Korčula is an easy place to fall in love with. So if you find yourself on the island wanting to stay longer than a day, here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Korčula:

BEST BUDGET

Hostel Korčula (Old Town)

A comfortable, no-frills hostel right in the heart of Korčula Old Town.

BEST MID-RANGE

Eco Aparthotel (Lumbarda)

An eco-friendly, modern luxury hotel in Lumbarda, Korčula’s wine region.

BEST LUXURY

Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel (Old Town)

A luxury, four-star hotel overlooking Korčula Port and the incredible seaside. 

Conclusion: Is Korčula the Best Day Trip from Dubrovnik?

I spent eleven days exploring Dubrovnik and the local towns, villages and islands nearby and I can confidently say that Korčula is my favorite day trip from Dubrovnik! I hope you love this island paradise as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers to Common Questions